User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1535 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Mar 18, 2014
    10
    $20 for 6-8 hours of gameplay, and people complain about it? All Kojima had to do was make the side missions mandatory over the course of the main campaign, and people wouldn't have a leg to stand on. $20 for a demo? Give me a break. The game is phenomenal.
  2. Mar 18, 2014
    10
    Why everyone is complaining about the short length and giving it a negative score because of that makes no sense... If you were following the progression of this prologue Kojima clearly stated this was a short game via tweet in February and explained why. So we have the length already known and the price already known.. SO WHY IS THIS A SURPRISE? This game is great for what it is, IWhy everyone is complaining about the short length and giving it a negative score because of that makes no sense... If you were following the progression of this prologue Kojima clearly stated this was a short game via tweet in February and explained why. So we have the length already known and the price already known.. SO WHY IS THIS A SURPRISE? This game is great for what it is, I didn't like price tag but I was willing to pay it and I am not disappointed.. Easiest mechanics to date and visually amazing! 'nuff said Expand
  3. FMZ
    Mar 18, 2014
    10
    The game is short but the gameplay is amazing, and the replay value is surprisingly hard.
    The new stealth mechanics are amazing and the sound design is a thing of beauty that reminds me of classic games like Thief: The dark project.
  4. Mar 18, 2014
    10
    Absolutely stunning game. Amazing graphics, outstanding gameplay. This may only be a taste of what's to come, but I can't wait for The Phantom Pain. Great work Kojima!
  5. Mar 18, 2014
    10
    The amount of negative reviews for this are only based around the length of the story which is around 1-2 hrs and nothing else because everything else is perfected down to its core. The actual length of the game is around 100-500 hrs though. All the negative comments clearly come from people who have never played a metal gear game in there life so if you are one of those people then IThe amount of negative reviews for this are only based around the length of the story which is around 1-2 hrs and nothing else because everything else is perfected down to its core. The actual length of the game is around 100-500 hrs though. All the negative comments clearly come from people who have never played a metal gear game in there life so if you are one of those people then I suggest you don't buy this. If you love metal gear then you will love this game as it was made for the fans and no one else. Expand
  6. Mar 18, 2014
    9
    MGS GZ has a AAA production quality but its short content wise. It depends how you play the game but it is intended to be stealth game and this is where GZ really shines. The world is a small sandbox area filled with many secrets and dangers that are calling for your hunger. Aside the interesting single played which took me 3 hours to complete it does have a high replay value as well.MGS GZ has a AAA production quality but its short content wise. It depends how you play the game but it is intended to be stealth game and this is where GZ really shines. The world is a small sandbox area filled with many secrets and dangers that are calling for your hunger. Aside the interesting single played which took me 3 hours to complete it does have a high replay value as well. There 5 Side missions in which some of them are action based and some are stealth based but they are as awesome as you would expect from Kojima. Fox Engine shines on PS4 and the game looks amazing and it is awesome to have MGS in 60FPS. In conclusion GZ is a must have for every stealth lover and MGS fan and no one is forcing you to buy this game if you think its too expensive, PP is not so far away....stay tuned for the main game people and rate this game fairly. Expand
  7. Mar 18, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The atmosphere will clench your chest, and the gameplay is everything you'd hope for. Among other features, the menu offers a wide range of options, more than any previous installment, to tailor to the player's interests. Expand
  8. Mar 18, 2014
    10
    Everyone is **** that this demo, yes the Main Mission is short, but there is still content after that and the game have very high replay value, this is a high quality game, only negatives what other people **** about is that this is a "demo" but they cant say anything bad about the game play, graphics, voice acting etc,
  9. Apr 14, 2015
    10
    This game is prologue the Phantom pain. MGS is Masterpiece. Best Gameplay, Very good optimization. I love Big Boss and Solid Snake. But Big Boss is the best. Hideo Kojima is best director of the game universe.
  10. May 7, 2016
    9
    Damn I wasnt so shocked in a looooong time. True, gameplay lenght is awfully short, but the emotions this one packs are amazing. Im motivated for the main dish - Phantom pain, hope it will be as good as this one!
    Oh, gameplay, graphics etc. are good. But hey its new mgs, so it was obvious.
  11. Apr 21, 2015
    10
    Outstanding as always Kojima is a f'n genius. I pre-ordered Metal Gear Sloid V Phantom Pain and it is going to kick some serious A$$. I hope Kojima continues to make more gems like MGS 1-5.
  12. May 23, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ground Zeroes is a prelude to the full MGS V The Phantom Pain, and is a nice surprise. It's a "little" AAA game focused on gameplay and with built-in replayability. It has both positives and negatives, which I'll discuss right away.

    GZ is a sequel to MGS Peace Walker, and Big Boss has to rescue Chico and Paz from a US black site in Cuba. There is not much story-wise (Big Boss rescues Chico and Paz only to return to Mother Base and see it destroyed by the mysterious XOF and falls into coma after his helicopter was shot down) but it's interesting nonetheless as it sets the events of The Phantom Pain in motion. That scene in the helicopter (where Paz was operated) got into my stomach. Also, the cassette tapes flesh out the story, covering events prior to the mission. The only downside is that the main mission lasts about an hour, and can be completed in 5 minutes or so if you know what to do, skip the cut-scenes, and exploit some AI weaknesses.

    The gameplay has been revamped from previous games and it's full open world and you can play as you see fit. The game is set in a single map where US troops patrol and you have to sneak past them, as per the series' tradition. It's easy to be seen by enemies if you run around carelessly, and from different positions too, so the slow motion reflex mode is a godsend as it gives you a chance to take out an enemy before he raises the alarm. Most useful is the tagging mechanic, as the base can have dozens of enemy patrols and you have to keep track of them. If you are spotted and pursued, enemies will hunt you down and try to surround you, and they are really good at shooting you down. If you evade them, they will search the base for quite a time. The one AI complaint I have is that, if you hold up an enemy and tell him to drop down to the floor, he will remain there indefinitely or until an alarm sounds. That is a leftover from Peace Walker and shouldn't be present. There are a few weapons to choose from, but nothing beats the silenced tranquilizer pistol. You can't carry more than 4 weapons at a time, gone is the ability to carry tons of different weapons around. A nice addition is the ability to drive vehicles, but it's strange that classic gameplay beats (cardboard box, knock on wall, etc.) are missing. The CQC mechanic is present and more refined than ever. The missions (1 main mission and 6 side ops) are varied enough and can be completed in normal and hard difficulty. There is even a side op which will bring nostalgia to MGS fans, as it is somewhat set in Metal Gear Solid's Shadow Moses Island. There are also collectables (XOF patches and cassette tapes) to pick up. Finally, if the player completes all missions, he can upload his save file to benefit in The Phantom Pain (you get some extra soldiers for Mother Base, like Hideo Kojima himself!).

    Going into the technicalities, the game is powered by the Fox Engine, which delivers beautiful graphics, although the side missions set in day time look rather bland compared to the night based main mission, which looks really nice. The game runs at a perfect 60 fps on console which makes the game feel much smoother than in the past where performance was bad. No dropped frames, no screen tearing, no nothing. On the sonic side of things, the actors perform well enough in this short game. Kiefer Sutherland voices Big Boss in a Spartan way (meaning he doesn't speak much at all), but is really good. Miller, Huey, Skull Face, Paz and Chico sound convincing but have little dialogue to truly establish their characters. Sound effects are nice, though.

    Overall, Ground Zeroes is a nice game. When it originally came out it cost $30 and caused controversy, regarding it's value as "a $30 demo" (comparing it to the mythical "free" MGS 2 demo from 2000, but that really wasn't free because you also had to buy the Zone of the Enders game, but whatever). Nowadays it costs much less, but even at $30 it was worth every penny. There are many full priced $60-70 games which don't come close to feature all the goodies GZ has to offer to the gamer. Buy the game and enjoy it.
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  13. Aug 27, 2014
    10
    Deserves a high rating, anyone who was smart enough to know what they are buying, would realise that this was a short game more polished then a demo, but was to give a taste of Phantom Pain to the real fans willing to pay to support their game series, which has never disappointed. Do people realise how much effort and money goes into making games of high quality. We all want cheaper gamesDeserves a high rating, anyone who was smart enough to know what they are buying, would realise that this was a short game more polished then a demo, but was to give a taste of Phantom Pain to the real fans willing to pay to support their game series, which has never disappointed. Do people realise how much effort and money goes into making games of high quality. We all want cheaper games but it would cost us in quality in the long run. Expand
  14. Mar 19, 2014
    8
    Despite the length, Metal Gear Solid fans will vastly enjoy this game. I did. I will be replaying this game for a long time. If you don't like the game because of the length.. that is your choice. I know, as a fan of MGS, that i enjoy sneaking around with Big Boss. Bring on TPP.
  15. Mar 22, 2014
    8
    to determine whether or not this purchase is for you, you need to ask yourself one simple question... how much of metal gear fan am I? If you have been playing MGS since its inception buying this is an absolute given and will no doubt be worth $20-30. If however you are not the most hardcore of an MGS fan avoid this purchase like the bubonic plaque and simply wait for the Phantom Pain.to determine whether or not this purchase is for you, you need to ask yourself one simple question... how much of metal gear fan am I? If you have been playing MGS since its inception buying this is an absolute given and will no doubt be worth $20-30. If however you are not the most hardcore of an MGS fan avoid this purchase like the bubonic plaque and simply wait for the Phantom Pain.

    As for the game itself MGS Ground Zeroes picks up almost immediately after the events of peace walker and involves Naked Snake (AKA Big Boss) infiltrating a US blacksite known as Camp omega, a deliberate and shameless analogy to Guantanamo bay.the short but oh so sweet story is definitely among the most dark of the entire series, Kojima mainly explores themes of torture and loss as well as rape...Kojima certainly wasn't lying when he said that MGSV would explore taboo subject matters.

    the gameplay is undoubtedly the best the series has ever seen, Big Boss moves with fluidity and it both looks and feels awesome. the emission of the HUD greatly augments the games immersion, and random enemy movement patterns keep you on the edge of your seat constantly. Enemy AI is also greatly increased, the day time missions can be incredibly difficult as enemies can spot you with ease, the evolution of enemy AI in my opinion validates the new reflex mode although if you're up for a real challenge it can be switched off. during combat enemies act much more naturally than previous titles, they charge flank and take cover on the harder difficulties they are indeed a force to be reckoned with

    overall MGS Ground Zeroes is a welcome addition to the collections of longtime dedicated fans, otherwise consider a rent, a borrow, a wait for a sale, or an overall pass
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  16. Aug 18, 2015
    10
    mgs v gz is a big game یکی از بهترین بازیهای عمرم بود فقط مشکلش این بود که کوتاه بود و همش در پایگاه بودیم
    این پیش در امد خوبیست برای بازی اصلی یعنی MGSV THEPHANTOM PAIN
  17. Aug 24, 2015
    10
    The moment ot moment gameplay is one of the best ever in the stealth genre. Not only that but you get alot of freedom in the way you can finish a mission. There are countless ways of tackling a mission. Everything is on point in this game: the moment to moment gameplay, the controls, the music, the acting and story. The only thing that some people might not like is that the main missionThe moment ot moment gameplay is one of the best ever in the stealth genre. Not only that but you get alot of freedom in the way you can finish a mission. There are countless ways of tackling a mission. Everything is on point in this game: the moment to moment gameplay, the controls, the music, the acting and story. The only thing that some people might not like is that the main mission can be completed in an hour and can be speed run in less than 5 minutes. But the side ops give alot of longevity to this game. This game is also meant to be the prologue of the Phantom Pain. This is a must buy for every fan of the series. Also newer fans should get this, control and gameplay wise it is the best MGS game ever made. Expand
  18. Dec 28, 2015
    9
    C,mon this game is not that bad.it had great graphics,cast,voice acting,gameplay. rather than this was my first ps4 game and first mgs that how it took me pretty hours to do that mission and all side ops.and i am planning to buy mgs5 pp soon.
  19. Mar 18, 2014
    10
    There was never any question as to the length of Ground Zeroes....It's been well publicized that GZ is just a taste of what's to come, and anyone who is a fan of the Metal Gear franchise will appreciate that, even if it is only a few hours long. Anyone under any other impressions as to how long it was going to be or how expensive it should be is ignoring the fact that it was commonThere was never any question as to the length of Ground Zeroes....It's been well publicized that GZ is just a taste of what's to come, and anyone who is a fan of the Metal Gear franchise will appreciate that, even if it is only a few hours long. Anyone under any other impressions as to how long it was going to be or how expensive it should be is ignoring the fact that it was common knowledge well before release. It's their fault for expecting something else. Do a little research before spending your money, that's all. This prologue chapter is akin to the Tanker demo for MGS2, and I cannot tell you how excited I am for MGSV: The Phantom Pain now that I have experienced this game. Let's just hope it will actually hit in early 2015! Expand
  20. Mar 20, 2014
    10
    It's actually not that short if you 100% it but regardless, the graphics are amazing, the game feels great, the story is superb. The best part is how hyped up it gets you for Phantom Pain, without revealing too much.
  21. Mar 18, 2014
    9
    Yes. This game is a ripoff. Konami should be ashamed of themselves. But then again, they don't seem to have any decent, marketable franchises anymore other than MGS (if they'd release a real Castlevania game they'd have two) so I guess maybe they need the money. That being said though, if you're a hardcore fan of the series this is worth it. But then again, you already own it or probablyYes. This game is a ripoff. Konami should be ashamed of themselves. But then again, they don't seem to have any decent, marketable franchises anymore other than MGS (if they'd release a real Castlevania game they'd have two) so I guess maybe they need the money. That being said though, if you're a hardcore fan of the series this is worth it. But then again, you already own it or probably will by the end of the day. Improvements to the MGS formula are found everywhere. Stealth is better. The controls are better. The gunplay is better. It's a wonderful teaser to what awaits in The Phantom Pain. Yes it's short, unsatisfying and a total waste of money. But it's also amazing. If you're a fan of the series, get it. If you're not, don't waste your time. Wait until the real deal comes out. Expand
  22. Jul 31, 2014
    9
    Good sandbox to play in. Offers lots to do when re-playing. I got this for £17 so felt like good value for money. I can understand why those who paid more might feel a bit short changes as the main mission is quite short.
  23. Mar 20, 2014
    10
    Well, even if you think this game is just a $30 demo (which is not), it still one of the best '$30 games' and/or 'demos' I've seen in ages.

    Amount of atmosphere and data in game is enormous, approaches you may take to complete your goals vary a lot, map offer complete freedom of movement and exploration -- what more to wish for? Only one thing comes to mind -- for Phantom Pain to get
    Well, even if you think this game is just a $30 demo (which is not), it still one of the best '$30 games' and/or 'demos' I've seen in ages.

    Amount of atmosphere and data in game is enormous, approaches you may take to complete your goals vary a lot, map offer complete freedom of movement and exploration -- what more to wish for? Only one thing comes to mind -- for Phantom Pain to get out sooner.
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  24. Mar 18, 2014
    8
    I'm still wondering why people were surprised at the length of this game. It's never been known to be a full length game, merely the prologue to Phantom Pain. I braced myself for a short playthrough and I'm surprised I manage to squeeze five hours out of it and if this is merely the first chapter than I'm quite looking forward to when the full game comes out. While I believe this gameI'm still wondering why people were surprised at the length of this game. It's never been known to be a full length game, merely the prologue to Phantom Pain. I braced myself for a short playthrough and I'm surprised I manage to squeeze five hours out of it and if this is merely the first chapter than I'm quite looking forward to when the full game comes out. While I believe this game shouldn't have been more than $20, I feel it was worth the investment I put into it. Expand
  25. Mar 18, 2014
    10
    Simply love everything about this game. Excellent graphics, amazing soundtrack and just enough taste for us to look forward for The Phantom Pain.

    Actual main mission takes about 2-3 hours long but once you finish that you will notice it'll say "10% Completed". You know what that means that there is WAY more to do after it. Side missions and quests will keep you busy for hours 6-8 in
    Simply love everything about this game. Excellent graphics, amazing soundtrack and just enough taste for us to look forward for The Phantom Pain.

    Actual main mission takes about 2-3 hours long but once you finish that you will notice it'll say "10% Completed". You know what that means that there is WAY more to do after it. Side missions and quests will keep you busy for hours 6-8 in fact, and most games now days are around 7-8 hours with FULL price tag so I don't know why many people here are complaining about it.

    If its too pricey for you, then DON'T buy it, no body is forcing you but you WILL be missing out on a lot.

    $34.99 is a really good price for this in my opinion, cause there is so much to do and in many ways as well.

    After playing and finishing this game, I simply cannot WAIT for The Phantom Pain and we don't know when that will be coming out. Hopefully in 2015 (Fingers Crossed).

    If you want to experience Snake like never before, you will have a blast.
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  26. Mar 18, 2014
    10
    Why are people complaining about the length?,Game's like Gone Home,Journey, are all short game's that were around 20-30 doallers. This is crazy,the game is amazing,the graphic's are great,and it's metal gear!!If you don't like the length or Metal Gear don't buy it...damn..These review's are for people that love Metal Gear and want to know if the game is any good.
  27. Mar 20, 2014
    9
    I have gotten at least 6-7 hours out of this game and im glad I bought it. Its very short if you are the type of person who plays it once then drops it. I have gotten S ranks and unlocked the bonus mission which I S ranked. The thing is buy it digital if you want your taste of metal gear now and if you're a die hard fan like me get the retail version for 30. IF you dont like metal gearI have gotten at least 6-7 hours out of this game and im glad I bought it. Its very short if you are the type of person who plays it once then drops it. I have gotten S ranks and unlocked the bonus mission which I S ranked. The thing is buy it digital if you want your taste of metal gear now and if you're a die hard fan like me get the retail version for 30. IF you dont like metal gear then just wait until Phantom Pain comes out, buy this for whatever game stop is selling it at or buy it online, then play Phantom Pain. This game shouldn't get the harsh backlash its getting a 5.8, which is saved for buggy or bad design while this has great design, gameplay, etc. Worse case a 6 or a 7, be grateful of the taste you were given instead of hearing nothing until 2015. Expand
  28. Mar 18, 2014
    8
    I am quite suprised at the user reviews but i respect your opinion BUT it sounds like some gamers went into this purchase blind as well as desire to play anything new due to lack of slection atm with that said im 35 years old and a fan of mgs , i personally hated the idea o a 30 dollar "demo" cash grab fan base extortion due to us wanting anything mgs, SNAKE!. I picked it up at midnightI am quite suprised at the user reviews but i respect your opinion BUT it sounds like some gamers went into this purchase blind as well as desire to play anything new due to lack of slection atm with that said im 35 years old and a fan of mgs , i personally hated the idea o a 30 dollar "demo" cash grab fan base extortion due to us wanting anything mgs, SNAKE!. I picked it up at midnight and just finished for now to rest, coffe and write this review basically i got more than 9 hours out of this "2 hour demo". This is not cod = run gun through campaign ala rambo but to be fair its not the complete package but instead its a small chunk of glory, not the main course but absolutely delicious none the less , lets talk ground zeroes.

    The main mission is indeed short but it doesnt end at the credits as many portray it actually is when the game begins. Side and extra ops = tons of replay period. You get graded by your stats which scale differently from op to op, S being the best grade. It also tracks all youre stats i.e longest headshot and trials mode pits your perfomance globally.

    The game has tweaked combat, stealth and a.i to name a few and thats an achievement considering mgs as a whole. Bottom line this is 110 percent next gen mgs in every conceivable aspect period and is amazingly gorgeous tbh best looking current gen imo. The mechanics feel all so familiar to mgs fans bu polkished and refined in areas i thought couldnt get better. The map is open world and if you play a game like gtv 5 without doing side missions youre only cheating self in terms of overall exp and game life and same can be said here.
    My psn pixelprov1 to prove i have the game and to all my fellow mgs fans buy this, rent this, PLAY this. Then send me a msg and call my a liar if im not stating facts. Not a game for everyone first off and a prologue to boot = disaster for those who this applies to which isnt meant to insult, mgs is very hard to pick up and play for casuals to begin with
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  29. Mar 19, 2014
    8
    This game I not a demo. Demos don't have 8 hours of gameplay. If you think this a demo you're a fool. This is a prologue. I don't understand you people complaining about the legnth when Kojima made you are aware of it. This game has awesome graphic and gameplay. This game was made for people how are true fans of the series. People who are this this game a undeserved zero are most likelyThis game I not a demo. Demos don't have 8 hours of gameplay. If you think this a demo you're a fool. This is a prologue. I don't understand you people complaining about the legnth when Kojima made you are aware of it. This game has awesome graphic and gameplay. This game was made for people how are true fans of the series. People who are this this game a undeserved zero are most likely people who are new to the series or have probable only play mgs4. This game is amazing but honestly only made for true metal gear solid fans. Expand
  30. Mar 18, 2014
    10
    These guys complaining about the length are a joke. It's a fantastic game, and well worth the price. I didn't see anyone complaining about The Last of Us's $15 DLC. Yea, this costs $30, but there is twice as much content. Some people are raging and trying to prove some futile point. This game is great, and worth every penny. End of story.
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 70 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 70
  2. Negative: 0 out of 70
  1. Jul 3, 2014
    60
    There might be an interesting game in this engine, but it’s not here, not yet, and as a result Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes is at best a very expensive demo that should only be approached with the lowest expectations.
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    May 16, 2014
    60
    Newbies will be lost, veterans not satisfied. It’s firing on all cylinders but the rounds don’t last. Nice showcase of the new engine, though. [Issue#241]
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    May 11, 2014
    85
    Short but oh so sweet! [Apr 2014]